Mbonambi braces for physical SA derby

SPRINGBOK hooker Bongi Mbonambi believes the battle for forward supremacy will define Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against the Stormers, as two of South Africa's heavyweight packs prepare to go head-to-head.

- JOHN GOLIATH

Mbonambi, no stranger to the intensity of local rivalries, is under no illusions about the challenge awaiting the Sharks, who haven't won an away match in Cape Town in the URC in five attempts.

“It's a traditional South African derby,” Mbonambi said, on Tuesday. “Everyone knows it’s going to be physical — two quality sides going at each other for the full 80 minutes.”

The Stormers have enjoyed a strong season across both the URC and the Champions Cup, a run Mbonambi attributes to their tactical structure and squad depth.

“The Stormers are performing well this season in both competitions. They've got depth, they're well-coached, and they've got a good squad,” he noted.